Effect of Inclusion of Legumes in Cropping System and their Residue Incorporation on the Yield of Maize

Abstract

Background: Maize (Zea mays L.) is one of the important cereal crops of world. Its multiple uses in food industry made it most demanded crop, but the productivity in India is still low. Inclusion of legumes in the cropping system can help in restoring soil fertility in incredible ways hence, enhancing the crop productivity. Methods: A field experiment was conducted at B. A. College of Agriculture, AAU, Anand during summer-kharif seasons of years 2017 and 2018 to examine the impact of legume crop residue and nitrogen levels on maize crop. Experiment comprised of three legume crops grown in summer season viz., green gram, groundnut and cluster bean, two residue management treatments viz., residue removal and incorporation and three nitrogen levels in kharif maize viz., 100%, 75% and 50% recommended dose of nitrogen. Result: Cluster bean-maize cropping system followed by groundnut-maize cropping system observed for the highest improvement in growth parameters, yield attribute and grain and straw yield. Residue incorporation of summer legumes and full dose of nitrogen in maize was found significant for increasing growth and yield parameters and grain yield of maize. Study indicate that residue incorporation had positive effects on maize growth and yield, however incorporation was not able to reduce the nitrogen requirement through chemical means.

Nitrogen Gradient Optimization with Kharif Legumes on Agronomic Parameters in Zero-till Rabi Maize

“…Under zero-till cond itions, minimal so il disturban ce and nitro gen immobilization likely contributed to maize's heightened response to higher nitrogen levels, with 250% and 225% levels showcasing superior performance in yield. Similar findings quoted by Ndiso et al (2018) and Monika et al (2022) (Table 5a and 5b).…”

“…This might be due to the residual influence in collaboration of the nitrogen levels have positively correlated for the effective greenness of the leaves due to the higher photosynthates accumulation that further decreased due to lower doses of nitrogen. Familiar findings by Monika et al (2022).…”